Best Brush for Staining Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of your home and you want it to look inviting and fresh at all times. And, nothing can beat a high-quality stain to protect your kitchen cabinets and keep them looking at their luxurious best.

But stain application can be rather tricky and choosing the right stain applicator can be a challenge. The lack of the right brush can make or break your staining project.

But there is no reason to despair. We have done the research for you and shortlisted the best brush for staining cabinets from a wide range of options.

So, read on to know how to choose the best brush for your staining jobs.

Pro Grade Paint Brush Set

Best Brush for Staining Cabinets

The Pro Grade Paint Brush Set of 5 brushes is perfect for staining all types of wood projects, including cabinets. Featuring comfortable wooden handle grips and thin brush tips, the brushes offer more control over stain application and distribution.

The SRT filament blend of the brushes holds more stain enabling you to achieve a premium finish and also save time.

Suitable for both interior, as well as exterior staining projects, the Pro Grade brushes deliver professional results on cabinets, trims, fences, doors, walls, decks, fences, arts and crafts and touch-ups.

Pros
  • A good variety of brush shapes and tips.
  • The SRT filament offers a smooth finish.
  • Suitable for a wide range of interior and exterior projects.
  • The brushes are very easy to clean.
  • Good value buy.
Cons
  • The bristles bunch up and shed.
  • The bristles are too soft.

Best Brush for Staining Cabinets Buying Guide

Best Brush for Staining Cabinets

When staining your cabinets, it is important to compare the various types of brushes and choose one that meets your requirements.

When choosing the best brush for stain application, here are a few aspects to consider:

Roller vs Brush

Whether you should use a roller or a brush to stain your cabinets depends on your comfort, skill level and personal preference.

For instance, you may want to use a mini roller for stain application over the larger areas and a brush with smaller bristles for the finer details.

Brush Size

The size of the brush can affect your stain application. Choose the size of brush according to the surface you need to paint so that you can achieve maximum coverage and efficiency.

You may need a medium-sized brush to cover all the larger areas of the cabinet and a smaller brush for smaller areas like the edges, cabinet rails, etc.

Brush Angle

There are flat and angled brushes. Angled brushes are the best for staining cabinets as it allows better application in a single top-to-bottom stroke. Specialty brushes with angled handles work best to reach the back corners of the cabinets.

Firmness

When staining your cabinets, one way to achieve a smooth finish is to use a brush with the right firmness.

Brushes with softer bristles are more supple and can be maneuvered more easily and are a good option for staining cabinets compared to brushes with firm bristles.

Comfort

You need to look for a brush that is ergonomic and offers comfort while staining the cabinet. Consider the material of the handle, such as plastic, wood or metal.

Also, consider the length of the handle. For instance, a brush with a shorter handle offers greater precision.

FAQs

Best Brush for Staining Cabinets

Should I Stain My Kitchen Cabinets?

Yes, staining your kitchen cabinets is a good idea, especially if you want a hard-wearing and long-lasting finish. Staining your kitchen cabinets allows you to cover up any scuffs, scratches or marks easily and easy touch-ups.

What Is the Best Stain for Kitchen Cabinets?

Generally, water-based stains are the best for kitchen cabinets, but it is always a good idea to match the wood stain to the wood finish to ensure the best results.

Should I Use a Wood Conditioner or Pre-Stain Before Staining My Cabinets?

Typically, a wood conditioner or pre-stain is used on softwoods, which are porous and can cause the finish of the stain to be uneven or blotchy.

Using a wood conditioner or pre-stain acts as a base coat and fills the pores of the wood so that you get more uniform coverage.